My antennas 4' cable wasn't long enough to route through the top trunks wiring harness path, but I was able to run it underneath the top trunk's backrest⁴ pad so only have about 7" of exposed cable. Someday soon I will buy another $20 antenna with an 8' cable and a straight SMB plug, which will be long enough and easier to route along the top trunks cable. ...but for now, since installing the $15 Sat antenna on my top trunk, I have yet to loose the Sat signal, not even once. 🙂
2021 R1250RT XM WORTHLESS - reception issues
So I went ahead and spent the extra $500+ to get the Alpine radio module for my RT to have XM as an option for music.
However the RECEPTION IS HORRIBLE - I get 2-3 seconds of music followed by 15 seconds or more of silence as it loses signal CONSTANTLY.
Does anyone know of a BMW fix for this?
I know I can go SPEND MORE money to get an aftermarket antenna and relocate it to the top box, but I'd rather it be integrated like BMW meant it to be.
GS911 scan info of bike and that module is as follows (need 2112.04 GS911 software) :
Bike Information : -
VIN : WB10L0302M6E68754
Model : R 1250 RT (K52)
Factory I-Level : K001-21-03-505
Actual I-Level : K001-21-11-500
Backup I-Level : K001-21-03-505
UNKNOWN : -
Controller Type : Unknown
Controller Name : UNKNOWN
Controller : 0x0F8910
Serial Number : 0000611508
Manufacturer : Alpine GmbH
Manufacture Date (YY/MM/DD) : 21/06/01
Firmware Date (YY/MM/DD) : 21/06/01
Kilometers when programmed : 0.00
Number of FW configurations : 7
HW Electronics (HWEL) :
Firmware ID : 0x64DE
Firmware Version : 004.003.000
Bootloader (BTLD) :
Firmware ID : 0x0006
Firmware Version : 004.000.001
SW Memory Image (SWFL) :
Firmware ID : 0x7862
Firmware Version : 004.000.001
SW Memory Image (SWFL) :
Firmware ID : 0x7863
Firmware Version : 004.000.001
SW Memory Image (SWFL) :
Firmware ID : 0x7864
Firmware Version : 004.000.001
SW Memory Image (SWFL) :
Firmware ID : 0x7860
Firmware Version : 004.000.001
Coding Data (CAFD) :
Firmware ID : 0x64E0
Firmware Version : 003.000.014
However the RECEPTION IS HORRIBLE - I get 2-3 seconds of music followed by 15 seconds or more of silence as it loses signal CONSTANTLY.
Does anyone know of a BMW fix for this?
I know I can go SPEND MORE money to get an aftermarket antenna and relocate it to the top box, but I'd rather it be integrated like BMW meant it to be.
GS911 scan info of bike and that module is as follows (need 2112.04 GS911 software) :
Bike Information : -
VIN : WB10L0302M6E68754
Model : R 1250 RT (K52)
Factory I-Level : K001-21-03-505
Actual I-Level : K001-21-11-500
Backup I-Level : K001-21-03-505
UNKNOWN : -
Controller Type : Unknown
Controller Name : UNKNOWN
Controller : 0x0F8910
Serial Number : 0000611508
Manufacturer : Alpine GmbH
Manufacture Date (YY/MM/DD) : 21/06/01
Firmware Date (YY/MM/DD) : 21/06/01
Kilometers when programmed : 0.00
Number of FW configurations : 7
HW Electronics (HWEL) :
Firmware ID : 0x64DE
Firmware Version : 004.003.000
Bootloader (BTLD) :
Firmware ID : 0x0006
Firmware Version : 004.000.001
SW Memory Image (SWFL) :
Firmware ID : 0x7862
Firmware Version : 004.000.001
SW Memory Image (SWFL) :
Firmware ID : 0x7863
Firmware Version : 004.000.001
SW Memory Image (SWFL) :
Firmware ID : 0x7864
Firmware Version : 004.000.001
SW Memory Image (SWFL) :
Firmware ID : 0x7860
Firmware Version : 004.000.001
Coding Data (CAFD) :
Firmware ID : 0x64E0
Firmware Version : 003.000.014
121 - 139 of 139 Posts
Awesome. Thanks Dave!This is a great solution posted on another forum.
Steve
I think that what SV Fiat meant by that , Was if you want to take the top box and ride you wont have Sirius Radio. I always leave mine on so it no big deal to me.You've gotta unplug the tour pack anyways... what's one more cable?
Me too. Always leave it on.I think that what SV Fiat meant by that , Was if you want to take the top box and ride you wont have Sirius Radio. I always leave mine on so it no big deal to me.
I have no explanation for why the $15 flat, square from Amazon did not work, unless you had it covered or had two many cable connections as each causes signal loss. My antenna is on top of my top trunk and the wire runs directly to the radio's input worh no splices or extension cables used. I haven't been able to get the signal to Cut in or out or drop no matter what I do, or where I go. That's driving in all 4 directions making complete circles or squares if you will miles around town. It even works sitting in my garage with the door closed. I think some folks who are trying to hide the antenna under the top trunk pad or under a seat or use too many cable connections like the Fakra 6" pigtail and an extension cable are creating signal blocks and signal loss points. All of those connections are loss points for the signal and nearly anything between (or covering) the antenna and the satellite can block the signal.The first attempt I did was with a cheap square antenna from amazon and it didn't work out so well. Then I bought the antenna and extension wire from BMW that was used in the 2018 K1600 that works flawlessly. I don't know if it's a case of impedance matching or what, but my XM reception is perfect 99% of the time. XM signals work on line of sight, if I hover my hand over the antenna I lose reception. So placement of the antenna is of great importance if you want constant XM reception. The original pod design behind the windshield was a stupid idea because the metal arms of the windshield support become a faraday cage when the windshield is raised and that blocks the signal........DUH..........
Steve
With all that said, I'm sorry any of us are having to deal with BMW's lack of thoughtfulness and Engineering rigor in not testing out the location of their satellite antenna on these bikes. Somebody in the design group at BMW blew it on this one.I have no explanation for why the $15 flat, square from Amazon did not work, unless you had it covered or had two many cable connections as each causes signal loss. My antenna is on top of my top trunk and the wire runs directly to the radio's input worh no splices or extension cables used. I haven't been able to get the signal to Cut in or out or drop no matter what I do, or where I go. That's driving in all 4 directions making complete circles or squares if you will miles around town. It even works sitting in my garage with the door closed. I think some folks who are trying to hide the antenna under the top trunk pad or under a seat or use too many cable connections like the Fakra 6" pigtail and an extension cable are creating signal blocks and signal loss points. All of those connections are loss points for the signal and nearly anything between (or covering) the antenna and the satellite can block the signal.
Steve
I bought the Anina XM antenna with 4 ft. cable (1m) from Amazon for $18. Took 20 mins to install it including running the cable under the back pad of the top case. Reception issue solved. It no longer matters the position of my windshield nor which direction I am riding.I have no explanation for why the $15 flat, square from Amazon did not work unless you had it covered or had too many cable connections as each causes signal loss. My antenna is on top of my top trunk and the wire runs directly to the radio's input with no splices or extension cables used.
100% agree with the advice above:
1) Do not cover your antenna - even partially. It needs to be able to "see" the satellite.
2) The fewer the connections or splices the better. Even adding the 6-inch Fakra to SMB adapter adds loss between the radio and the actual antenna puck. I decided not to add the Fakra to SMB myself for that very reason - even though I paid $5 extra for the adapter.
Now if I can just solve the AM and FM reception issues!
Yes, me too. I have yet to even try AM, but my FM reception is pretty weak. No doubt a cheap antenna or poor antenna placement.
Steve
Steve
Here's the AM antenna on my '22 RT (the white object on the right). After unplugging it and plugging in a (cheapo) rod antenna off Amazon I went from zero stations to many. There is a similar antenna on the other side for FM. Given my simple test - I can only conclude the BMW supplied antenna isn't fit for purpose. BMW support offered a pathetic resolution - take it to my dealer where they could compare my bike to another bike and if the other bike got stations and mine didn't, then they would replace the antenna. They seemed to have missed the obvious point that if there are multiple bad antennas (which MANY riders report), their test wouldn't work. Doh!Yes, me too. I have yet to even try AM, but my FM reception is pretty weak. No doubt a cheap antenna or poor antenna placement.
Steve
Might be a defective parts. My AM and FM work just fine on my 2021 RT using the same antennas. Just a thought ...........Here's the AM antenna on my '22 RT (the white object on the right). After unplugging it and plugging in a (cheapo) rod antenna off Amazon I went from zero stations to many. There is a similar antenna on the other side for FM. Given my simple test - I can only conclude the BMW supplied antenna isn't fit for purpose. BMW support offered a pathetic resolution - take it to my dealer where they could compare my bike to another bike and if the other bike got stations and mine didn't, then they would replace the antenna. They seemed to have missed the obvious point that if there are multiple bad antennas (which MANY riders report), their test wouldn't work. Doh!
View attachment 179935
I bought the 4 foot Sirius XM puck antenna from Amazon for $15 and mounted to the top of the top trunk with a cut to match puck removable Velcro. That solved the reception issue for me. I have since put 2000 plus miles on the new antenna on my 2022 R1250RT and haven't lost the signal even once. The local dealership is going to hide/run the antenna wire between the top trunk inner and out shell next week, so it will run with the existing top trunk inner light and trunk break light cables.I bought every thing he had listed from Amazon, Maybe I'll buy the Sirius puck and try that. Thanks for you input.
My post above refers only to satellite radio reception where raising the windscreen acts like an off switch for the satellite reception.I bought the 4 foot Sirius XM puck antenna from Amazon for $15 and mounted to the top of the top trunk with a cut to match puck removable Velcro. That solved the reception issue for me. I have since put 2000 plus miles on the new antenna on my 2022 R1250RT and haven't lost the signal even once. The local dealership is going to hide/run the antenna wire between the top trunk inner and out shell next week, so it will run with the existing top trunk inner light and trunk break light cables.
Update: 5 Nov 2022. My local BMW dealership installed the new disk shaped Sirius XM antenna under the triangular shaped shroud up between the windshield and TFT display under warranty. The disc shaped antenna ( replaces the original puck shaped antenna) is BMW corporate's replacement antenna. It has been reported by at least one other here and on other BMW RT blogs as completely solving the issue with raising the windscreen causing the satellite reception to cut out. I did not ride my bike post fix as it was like 40 degrees and raining here today. However, I did jump on it and start it up and turned on the satellite radio. Then I moved it out of its parking spot while listening to a satellite radio station. The bike was pointed West at that point. Then I pointed the bike North, which had been the biggest reception challenge, and then East. In each direction I raised and lowered the windscreen fully several times and the satellite radio never cut out. I am hoping this solves the XM satellite radio reception on my 2022 R1250RT once and for all. So, I parked it and gave them the keys and it's going into storage there for the Winter. When I ride more through Minnesota and Wisconsin next Spring I will let folks know if the problem has indeed been solved. My riding season is done until Spring, but I already can't wait to get back on my bike and hit the road.My post above refers only to satellite radio reception where raising the windscreen acts like an off switch for the satellite reception.
Steve
Did they solve the AM reception issue for you?Update: 5 Nov 2022. My local BMW dealership installed the new disk shaped Sirius XM antenna under the triangular shaped shroud up between the windshield and TFT display under warranty....
Steve
I don't think I've ever used AM on my bike. So someone is still broadcasting on AM? I thought my grandma was kidding when she said she still listens to AM.Did they solve the AM reception issue for you?
Jk
Steve
When I'm traveling I like to tune into the local AM stations to catch the weather. While there are websites that can give you the weather (or apps), but generally you get details from a local radio station you won't get from other sources. Lots of FM stations do the weather but the AM stations usually have it more frequently and in greater detail. I'd like it if the RT AM radio worked without hacks.I don't think I've ever used AM on my bike. So someone is still broadcasting on AM? I thought my grandma was kidding when she said she still listens to AM.
Jk
Steve
Yep I was just kidding ya. 😊When I'm traveling I like to tune into the local AM stations to catch the weather. While there are websites that can give you the weather (or apps), but generally you get details from a local radio station you won't get from other sources. Lots of FM stations do the weather but the AM stations usually have it more frequently and in greater detail. I'd like it if the RT AM radio worked without hacks.
Update: 19 May 2023. The installation of the new disc-shaped SAT antenna by the BMW dealership last fall has indeed solved my 2022 R1250RT's SAT radio reception issues. I have since removed my $15 external 1.5" by 1.5" puck antenna that I had mounted to my top trunk with a 3M Command strip. The SAT signal no longer stops when I raise the windscreen and unless I'm riding in a tunnel or along a bluff it doesn't cut out. However, I still think the $15 antenna from Amazon produced a consistently stronger signal, but I can't prove that, just subjective.Update: 5 Nov 2022. My local BMW dealership installed the new disk shaped Sirius XM antenna under the triangular shaped shroud up between the windshield and TFT display under warranty. The disc shaped antenna ( replaces the original puck shaped antenna) is BMW corporate's replacement antenna. It has been reported by at least one other here and on other BMW RT blogs as completely solving the issue with raising the windscreen causing the satellite reception to cut out. I did not ride my bike post fix as it was like 40 degrees and raining here today. However, I did jump on it and start it up and turned on the satellite radio. Then I moved it out of its parking spot while listening to a satellite radio station. The bike was pointed West at that point. Then I pointed the bike North, which had been the biggest reception challenge, and then East. In each direction I raised and lowered the windscreen fully several times and the satellite radio never cut out. I am hoping this solves the XM satellite radio reception on my 2022 R1250RT once and for all. So, I parked it and gave them the keys and it's going into storage there for the Winter. When I ride more through Minnesota and Wisconsin next Spring I will let folks know if the problem has indeed been solved. My riding season is done until Spring, but I already can't wait to get back on my bike and hit the road.
Steve
Steve
That was likely due to the antenna location - higher, more unobstructed.However, I still think the $15 antenna from Amazon produced a consistently stronger signal, but I can't prove that, just subjective.
121 - 139 of 139 Posts
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